A bit of a disaster really as I got to the start late and although I should have been going from pen 4 I was badly held up pretty much the whole way. Was planning (and had trained hard) for a sub 3:30 but just couldn't fight my way through the crowds and had to settle for 29 seconds shy of a sub 4hr finish. Oh well, a valuable lesson amd a good day out.

The key is to just keep applying unless you get yourself a charity place. If you are rejected 5 times through the ballot you get a gauranteed place. You must apply *every* year though, if you miss one in the middle.... no gauranteed place. Keep trying!

The atmosphere is truly amazing! The amount of people isn't really a problem unless you are unlucky. If anything, the thousands of people just serve to remind you that you are taking part in one of the biggest races in the world and no matter what time you finish in... it still feels good to get that medal roud your neck.

I was feeling for the folk out there today, I did Edinburgh marathon last year in 24 degree heat. My hoped for sub 4.30 (4.20 or so) turned very quickly to 4.57, just impossible to know how you will cope....I vowed never to do another summer marathon again.

Kitten: Don't be put off by the crowds, today was an amazing atmosphere and if you get in I'll be your personal pitstop clown for the day hehehe... I might take a stab at the ballot but assume rejection, but will defo be back at Mudchute!

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